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Warriors return to win column

By Brandon Boles

Times Sports Reporter

Posted:
02/16/2016 10:02:44 AM MST

The Weldon Valley Warriors traveled to Pawnee on Friday, looking to bunk a losing skid. Both teams went back into the win column, as the girls team won 49-19 and the boys team had a big fourth quarter to win 58-53.

Boys game

Pawnee came out strong on the Warriors to take an early lead, one that lasted for the majority of the game.

"Coach Tim Brunelle really had his kids fired up and ready to play," Weldon Valley coach Kerry Sherman said. "They came out strong and I told our guys just to weather the storm."

Trailing by seven after the first quarter, the Warriors chipped away into the deficit. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Warriors were down 41-38. It was there the Warriors made their move with a big offensive quarter.

"Everyone was hitting big shots, and once we got the lead, we showed patience on offense and shortened the game," Sherman said.

The Warriors closed out the game for a five point win, getting a sweep of the Coyotes this season.

"We hit just enough free throws and played just enough defense down the stretch to hold them off," Sherman said.

A trio of Warriors scored in double figures in the win. Junior Ben Cartwright led the way with 15 points and sparked the defense with three steals. Junior Adam Parachini and Dylan Wilkins each had 10 points and also had over 10 rebounds each for a double-double. Sherman said the team also got a big lift from seniors Heath Martindale and Kadin Kracke in the second half to lead the comeback.

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With the win, the Warriors remain over .500 with a 9-8 record. The team concludes conference play with a 6-4 record, marking the first time since the 2009-10 season the Warriors had a conference record at .500 or above, and a four game improvement in conference wins from last year.

Girls game

Weldon Valley finished the conference portion of the season on a strong note with a 49-19 victory over Pawnee on Friday.

With the Coyotes only having five players suiting up, the Warriors built a lead early and slowed the game down in the second half. The game also allowed the team to play many younger players some quality minutes and gain experience as well.

The win puts Weldon Valle at 6-11 overall and fifth in the North Central League with a 3-7 conference mark. Those totals include four more wins overall than last year and two more conference wins as well.

Up next

Two more road games conclude the regular season for the Warriors, giving the team a chance to go outside the conference to gain some momentum before districts. Weldon Valley faces Faith Baptist on Friday and Bethune on Saturday. The Warriors took on Faith Baptist earlier in the season, a game the girls team won 73-31 and the boys lost 63-52 back on Jan. 28. Bethune is a combined 4-29 with their basketball temas, so the Warriors will look to get two more wins to wrap up the regular season.

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